Investigation on properties of cellular lightweight concrete blocks with bottom ash

Abstract

This paper reports the feasibility of using bottom ash which is a waste product of coal-fired power plants, for producing cellular lightweight concrete blocks. Experimental investigation was carried by varying the parameters; bottom ash to cement (BA=C) ratio, water to cement (W=C) ratio, the density of foam concrete mixes and particle size fraction of bottom ash. The method of moisture curing was used to produce bottom ash foam concrete blocks. The performance of the produced bottom ash foam concrete was evaluated by considering compressive strength, drying shrinkage, structure and distribution of pores, wetting expansion and water absorption. It was observed that with the increase of BA=C ratio, the compressive strength of the foam concrete blocks increased and reached the maximum value of 3:1 MPa with 1:2 BA=C ratio, followed a drastic strength reduction. Experimental results also showed very high values for drying shrinkage and water absorption of the foam concrete produced with bottom ash.